The Los Angeles County Department of Health Services (DHS) is an integrated system of clinics and hospitals that offer you and your loved ones the care you need to stay well. This includes primary care (like check-ups and immunizations) as well as the specialty care you need to treat a serious illness or a chronic disease. Our goal is to be your medical home, a place where you have a team of health professionals who help guide you to the right care at the right place at the right time.

What services can I get at DHS?

DHS offers a full range of services depending on your needs. The best way to get care is to go to a DHS clinic near you and choose it as your medical home. When you choose a medical home, you will be able to see the same team of health professionals when you need care. They will have access to your medical records and help you to get the prescriptions and referrals you need. Whether you need primary, specialty or emergency care - all of your care is coordinated through your medical home.

Primary Care

Primary care services include routine, but important services such as check-ups, immunizations, wellness visits, prenatal care, and treatment for chronic illnesses like diabetes, high blood pressure, or congestive heart failure. Primary care services are often provided by family practice or internal medicine physicians, but primary care is also provided by physician assistants, certified medical assistants and nurses who have the proper training.

On the recommendation of your primary care medical home provider, you may be referred to a specialist, such as a cardiologist, urologist or dermatologist, for treatment when you have a serious medical condition. For example, if you have a heart condition, you might be referred to a cardiologist. For a foot problem, you may be referred to a podiatrist. These specialists work with your primary care medical home provider to manage your care and make sure you get the treatment you need.